Imagine a soup so rich and velvety that it transforms ordinary ingredients into a culinary masterpiece. This Roasted Garlic Tomato Soup with Chard is not just another recipe—it's a flavor explosion that will transport your taste buds straight to the sun-drenched kitchens of Italy. With perfectly caramelized roasted garlic, ripe tomatoes, and nutritious chard, this soup promises to be your new go-to comfort dish that's both incredibly delicious and surprisingly simple to prepare.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 6 ripe tomatoes, chopped
- 1 head garlic, roasted
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 cups chard, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the top off the garlic head, drizzle with olive oil, wrap in aluminum foil, and roast for 30-35 minutes until soft and golden brown.
- While garlic is roasting, heat a large pot over medium heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil and sauté the chopped onion until translucent and slightly caramelized, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add chopped tomatoes to the pot and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to break them down and release their juices.
- Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves from their skin directly into the pot with the tomatoes. The soft, caramelized garlic will easily release and blend into the soup base.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth, or carefully transfer to a blender in batches if you prefer a completely smooth consistency.
- Add the chopped chard to the soup and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the chard is tender but still bright green.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Ladle the hot soup into bowls and optionally garnish with a drizzle of olive oil, fresh herbs, or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
Tips
- Choose ripe, in-season tomatoes for the most intense flavor profile.
- Don't rush the garlic roasting process—low and slow develops the sweetest, most complex taste.
- For a smoother texture, strain the soup after blending to remove any remaining tomato seeds.
- If you prefer a creamier soup, add a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk at the end.
- The chard can be substituted with spinach or kale if needed.
- For extra depth, consider adding a splash of red wine or balsamic vinegar when sautéing the onions.
- Make a larger batch and freeze portions for quick, gourmet meals later.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 95kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
